Illumina, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of life science tools and systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. The company provides innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for various analysis of DNA, RNA and protein.

The company announced today it has entered into a wide-ranging collaborative research agreement with the Institute of Applied Genetics and the Department of Forensic and Investigative Genetics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). Illumina and UNTHSC will work together on several projects in forensic identification using the company’s next-generation sequencing technology.

The projects outlined in the agreement include studies on a range of forensically relevant markers for human identity testing, microbial forensics, pharmacogenetics for molecular autopsy, and additional markers and methods to generate investigative leads in criminal cases and matters of national security.

Dr. Bruce Budowle of UNTHSC is one of the world’s foremost experts in molecular biology for human identification. He said, “This next-generation sequencing collaboration will lead us to a much stronger forensic DNA testing capability and enable forensic laboratories to apply the most advanced science to assist law enforcement and the forensic medical community.”

For more information on Illumina and its technology, please visit its website at www.illumina.com

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